Our Favourite Specialized Mountain Bikes of 2016

The new range of Specialized menâ€™s mountain bikes are tuned to reliably tackle the most demanding terrain time after time. From harnessing speed and gravity on downhill runs to all-day Enduro epics and everything between, there is a bike to suit every riding style. Designed meticulously by the expert engineers at Specialized then rigorously tested by out team of elite athletes, each detail purposefully makes every bike perform to its maximum potential. Here are three choices that are sure to help you reach your potential and ride further, faster.

Enduro Elite 29

The all-mountain rider needs a bike that is as comfortable climbing as it is flying down the most technical singletrack. The Enduro Elite 29 refuses to compromise on either part. Slack geometry, paired with a more than a generous amount of travel on either end, allows this bike to handle reliably through the descents. The Sram X-1 groupset and Command Post IRcc seatpost keep climbs fast and nimble.

The frame is built with M5 alloy, which, coupled with Specializedâ€™s X-wing construction, has revolutionised long-travel 29er bikes. The bike delivers fantastic levels of stiffness letting you feel planted and technical on the climbs, while being agile and composed on the downhill. This package is complemented by fast-rolling 29 inch wheels that are controlled by powerful Sram Guide hydraulic brakes. The Specialized bars, stem and saddle keep weight to a minimum and provide excellent contact points to keep you stable throughout the ride. The result is that the Enduro Elite 29 is a true all-mountain bike.

S-Works Demo 8

The S-Works Demo 8 is a familiar face on the downhill circuit. Setting the standard for race-oriented downhill bikes, this highly-engineered machine will take whatever you throw at it. Coming from a long line of thoroughbred race bikes, the Demo 8 has been given the S-Works treatment, making it faster and more aggressive than ever before, sparing no expense to produce the most competitive bike possible. Constructed from FACT 11m carbon-fibre, the frame is unmatched for strength and stiffness while the low bottom bracket and slack geometry allow you to expertly handle the charge through jumps and berms. The frame, custom-tuned shocks and powerful brakes work in harmony to offer the maximum possible amount of control down even the loosest and most unforgiving of runs. Where other bike might falter or feel unsteady, the Demo 8 remains measured and planted, letting you pilot a course down the mountain faster than ever before.

Turbo Levo HT 29

The Turbo Levo 29 is designed to provide the fun, confident handling of regular 29 inch hardtails with a little bit of extra power to take you further than ever before. Enduro and XC riders will love the fast-rolling 29 inch wheels that make light work of ruts, roots and rocks while remaining sharp and agile enough for more technical sections. The RockShox Recon fork provides 120mm of plush and predictable travel up front to keep everything smooth and comfortable over the roughest ground. Unlike other e-bikes the battery is mounted within the downtube, making for a sleek and attractive frame. Easily removable that battery can quickly be detached for swapping or charging. The powerful motor provides 530 watts of extra power to your rear wheel. More than just aiding with climbing, this Turbo boost encourages you to ride further and longer to reach destinations that would be otherwise be inaccessible. Coupled with reliable components and the revolutionary mission control app, you can truly harness all the power on offer.